38 Vehicles At Cnu Hit In Midnight Vandalism

NEWPORT NEWS — Vandals struck several cars for the second time in two months at Christopher Newport University, blowing open the windows of 38 vehicles parked in residence hall parking lots Monday.

Dean of Students Maury O'Connell said the incidents took place after midnight in parking lots I and C.

"Some property was taken and we've recovered some of the property already," O'Connell said.

He would not say whether police had any suspects because of an ongoing investigation.

"We're very upset and we will vigorously pursue bringing this person or persons to justice," he said.

O'Connell said the incidents are not related to vandalism that took place in early December when someone cut the tops of 12 convertibles on campus and stole compact disc players and CDs from several of the vehicles.

O'Connell said the person suspected of those crimes remained in jail Monday.

He said Monday's vandalism took sophistication and that the suspects chose to break open side passenger windows on the 38 cars to work quickly and stay out of view from police, who were on patrol late Sunday and early Monday.

"I think it's somebody who wanted to stay hidden," O'Connell said. "There is nothing to suggest that it was a fist or a rock. What's suggested is that it was a sophisticated weapon."

He could not estimate how much money the damage to vehicles amounts to. Police have increased patrols on campus since the incident, O'Connell said.

Justin George can be reached at 247-4793 or by e-mail at jgeorge@dailypress.com